COLE, EMERALD ENDORSE ALVAREZ’S MAYORAL BID

San Diego 
Myrtle Cole and Marti Emerald endorsed fellow City Council member David Alvarez for mayor Monday, saying their Democratic colleague has the integrity and honesty to lead San Diego.

The councilwomen said Alvarez has a history of helping the city, including its neediest residents.

“Time and time again, David Alvarez has done the right thing for the city of San Diego,” said Emerald at a City Hall news conference. “He is a person who has a track record, a track record we can all respect.”

Cole said she was looking for “someone I could trust,” and that led her to Alvarez.

She added that he cares about the economic success of all San Diegans. “Growth and development for all communities in San Diego is David’s vision,” Cole said. She praised his work on public safety, infrastructure and neighborhood services such as libraries and parks and recreation.

Alvarez supports mixed-use and transit-oriented developments, affordable housing and commercial revitalization, Cole said. He will also work with banks and builders to clean up foreclosed residences and rundown commercial buildings.

Like Alvarez, the two are identified with the progressive wing of the local Democratic Party.

Emerald admitted some initial “trepidation” about Alvarez’s youth. At 33, Alvarez is the youngest candidate. Former Mayor Bob Filner is 71.

But Alvarez proved he is “mature and intelligent beyond his years,” she said.

Meanwhile, Councilman Kevin Faulconer and Qualcomm executive Nathan Fletcher also picked up endorsements for their mayoral bids. The San Diego Port Tenants Association is backing Faulconer and United Nurses Association/Union of Health Care Professionals union is supporting Fletcher.